List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

Struggling to sleep? You’re not alone. As conversations with friends, family and colleagues seem to be dominated by tiredness, middle-of-the-night wake-ups and vivid dreams, the TikTok tag ‘can’t sleep’ has currently racked up 1.2 billion views. It seems we’re all finding it difficult to get enough zeds. But is there a reason why it’s suddenly happening right now? Changing seasons “We all have an internal circadian clock, which is synchronised to the solar time with sunrise and sunset, and regulates our daily physiology and metabolism,” says Dr Laura Roden, associate professor and chronobiology specialist at Coventry University. “Day length changes with seasons, which impacts our circadian timing, and having a circadian clock allows us to respond by adjusting our physiology to these seasonal changes. Animals and plants are affected too – think bird migration, bears hibernating, spring flowers and autumn leaves. We are naturally diurnal, so should be sleeping at night when it is dark. Light acts on our circadian clock to stimulate wakefulness.” Differing lifestyles Our lifestyles also change in the summer. “Many of us are more physically active in summer than winter, and usually spend more time outdoors exposed to bright light during the day,” Roden explains. “That combination of physical activity during the day, and daytime bright light exposure, gives our circadian clock strong synchronising cues and reinforces our diurnal behavioural rhythms. This means that even though we have shorter nights, we are stimulating the feelings of sleepiness at night and wakefulness during the day. Engaging in physical activity during the day usually promotes better sleep – but we must be mindful of not exercising too late at night, as this can have the opposite effect,” she says. The Moon You may have thought the moon’s impact on our bodies is a myth, but Roden says that there is research that backs up these theories. “Some studies have found that this can affect both sleep timing and duration. Women who menstruate may notice that the phase of the moon interrupts their sleep more than biological males. Charlotte Förster from the University of Würzburg carried out a truly remarkable study in terms of data collection and analyses, that showed that women’s menstrual cycles were recurrently synchronous with the moon’s phase, and affected by brightness and gravitational pull. “As body core temperature is affected during menstruation, this would mean that at certain phases of the moon, it can be harder to fall asleep than others, and sleep duration may thus be affected,” Roden says. Sleep hygiene Brighter mornings and lighter evenings may be making your room too light or hot. “Keeping the bedroom slightly cooler than the rest of the house is ideal, but not always achievable. Cooler rooms promote sleep. Using curtains or blinds and sleep masks can help to keep bedrooms dark. But using electronic devices – such as mobile phones – that emit bright light, can cause a suppression of melatonin that we need, to indicate ‘night’ to the circadian clock,” Roden explains. Drinking more We all tend to take on more liquids when it’s hot. And you may find yourself drinking more when socialising in the sun, too. But, Roden suggests avoiding alcohol before bed. According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s best to leave at least four hours between stopping drinking alcohol and going to bed. It’s also a good idea to avoid drinking anything around two hours before sleep, and Roden recommends avoiding caffeine after midday, so you might want to skip those mid-afternoon iced lattes. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 11 ways to dip into Mediterranean inspired decor Whiten up your wardrobe with summer’s hottest trends Paternity leave should be paid for six weeks, campaigners tell Government

Applied Materials Inc. is suing a Chinese-owned rival over what it says was a 14-month effort to steal

It comes as authorities push to ban the unofficial song of the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer vanished from a beach in 1970, just after her family migrated from the UK.

Akio Toyoda was reappointed as Toyota Motor Corp. chairman with the lowest shareholder vote since at least 2010

Rudimental will headline The Hundred Final, while the cricketing tournament will also see live performances from the likes of Asha Gold, Dylan and Lottery Winners.

British power generator Drax Group Plc is in talks with National Grid Plc to restart two coal-fired units

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu suspended the head of the nation’s anti-corruption agency, the latest in a series of

Hundreds of security guards and marshals at the Qatar World Cup went unpaid for long working periods without days off, before being forced out of the country when the tournament ended, a new Amnesty International investigation has found. Some did not earn enough to pay off the loan required for recruitment costs. The human rights body state that research into Teyseer Security Services “shows pattern of abuses against migrant workers”. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, has meanwhile accused Fifa of failing “to effectively investigate the issue or offer remedies”, demanding that the global governing body step in and “offer immediate and meaningful remediation for the human rights abuses suffered by workers”. The group spoke to 22 men from Nepal, Kenya and Ghana, who were among thousands of migrant workers employed on short-term contracts by Qatar-based Teyseer Security Services to work as marshals and security guards at World Cup sites in the build-up and during the tournament itself. Among the locations were Khalifa International Stadium, Fifa fan zones, the Corniche and the metro station in Souk Waqif. All of the workers interviewed said “false promises” were made by either Teyseer’s representatives or recruitment agents, among them the suggestions they could take up more senior roles to earn an extra £220 a month, or stay and work in the country beyond the three-month contract period. Once in Qatar, however, nothing materialised. Instead, a third of those interviewed – particularly those employed as marshals – said they had to work 12 hours every day for 28 consecutive days. That came without any day off or adequate pay to reflect this work, which breaches Qatari law. The work often involved standing for long hours without sitting down and dealing with large crowds without adequate training or support. “I had to take out a loan to pay for the expenses to travel to work in Qatar during the World Cup,” Marcus, his name changed at his request, told Amnesty. “I am still paying it, what I earned was not enough.” Richard, who has also requested his name be changed and worked at one of the team training grounds, found he would have earned more had he stayed in Ghana. “I lost because I paid almost £550 before going there. I only received about £1,200, so I only made £650. I would get more than that if I had stayed in Ghana. I lost my job as a result [of going] so I came back with little money and no job.” Kiran, a changed name for a worker from Nepal, found the nature of his work at the Souk Waqif metro intimidating and physically arduous. “It was a tough job because there was one metro [station] in the area and too much of a crowd. I had to stand for ten to 12 hours a day… just resting my back on the barricades. At times we felt scared because it was too busy, and people were pushing.” Cockburn puts the primary responsibility on Fifa and Qatar, stating the country’s existing mechanism for redress is “not fit for purpose”. He said: “The World Cup organisers were well aware of the issues but failed to put in place adequate measures to protect workers and prevent predictable labour abuses at World Cup sites, even after workers raised these issues directly. “It’s six months since the tournament concluded but Fifa and Qatar have yet to offer an effective and accessible scheme to enable abused workers to receive the justice and compensation they are owed. Qatar’s existing mechanism for redress is not fit for purpose and has left thousands of workers deprived of compensation for the abuses they suffered. “Fifa has a clear responsibility to ensure human rights are respected throughout the supply chain engaged in preparing and delivering its showcase competition. “Although six months have passed since the World Cup, Fifa has yet to effectively investigate the issue, or offer remedies. Workers have already waited too long for justice. Fifa must now step in and offer immediate and meaningful remediation for the human rights abuses suffered by workers.” The abuses led many of Teyseer’s workers to protest on multiple occasions while they were in Qatar. Some told Amnesty they reported their treatment on the World Cup Grievances Hotline but no action was taken. One said a manager threatened to fire him in relation for complaining and warned him not to report issues again. Hundreds of marshals eventually staged a protest demanding their dues days before their contracts expired in January, after which workers said representatives of both Teyseer and the government promised they would be compensated. That has not yet been honoured. Amnesty report that Teyseer representatives threatened “action” if the men failed to leave Qatar on flights arranged by the company. Hundreds had to leave Qatar without compensation. Teyseer denied the allegations to Amnesty, saying the company followed an “ethical recruitment process” while detailing various measures it had taken to protect workers’ rights. Fifa told Amnesty due diligence was conducted on the security firm but there were “different perceptions and views” on the experience of workers. The global governing body said it would seek further clarification on the issues raised but did not offer commitment to provide remedy. Qatar has introduced a grievance mechanism but workers must still be in the country to access the state’s labour courts and any compensation scheme. There is no way to complain remotely and, with workers inevitably forced to leave once their contracts are up, Amnesty state they have been “denied justice”. The Qatari government repeated the common line to Amnesty that measures had been taken in recent years to reform its labour system. Amnesty conclude by stating that the abuses endured are “part of a pattern suffered by migrant workers in Qatar” since the decision was taken to award the state the World Cup in 2010. In a statement to The Independent, Fifa said: “Fifa, in collaboration with its Qatari counterparts, implemented a far-reaching due diligence process with the aim to ensure that companies involved in Fifa World Cup-related construction and services abide by the Supreme Committee’s Workers’ Welfare Standards. We consider any non-compliance with these standards unacceptable and are actively following up when we learn about alleged breaches. “After receiving Amnesty International’s allegations concerning Teyseer’s workers on 19 April 2023, Fifa promptly followed up with the SC’s Worker Welfare Department (WWD) as well as with the Doha Office of the International Labour Organisation ILO. It is the primary responsibility of the respective companies as well as the Qatari authorities to rectify possible adverse impacts on workers. As Fifa, we work to use our leverage with the relevant entities to promote the provision of remedy when we become aware of such allegations, in line with our responsibilities under international standards. “We kindly refer you to the SC and the ILO for further information on this case. “More broadly, one should not lose track of the bigger picture: International experts and trade union representatives who have assessed and collaborated in the labour rights programme for Fifa World Cup workers have repeatedly recognised that it led to heightened protection and welfare for Fifa World Cup workers. “In addition, according to the International Labour Organisation, Qatar’s labour reforms have been significant and benefitted hundreds of thousands of workers with the World Cup being an important catalyst for these reforms. It is undeniable that significant progress has taken place, and it is equally clear that the enforcement of such transformative reforms takes time and that heightened efforts are needed to ensure the reforms benefit all workers in the country.” Read More This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup The man who was jailed after working on Qatar’s World Cup

It was last weekend when it really sank in for Callum Wilson that he and Newcastle United are bound for the Champions League. Not, as might seem logical, Saturday’s Champions League final, the sort of occasion that may have prompted thoughts of progressing that far, or at least welcoming Inter Milan to Tyneside, but Sunday’s Sam Fender gig at St James’ Park. Wilson had been on holiday, “totally switched off”, before the Newcastle-supporting rock star exposed him to his new reality. “I went to the concert with my wife at St James’ Park,” he said. “There was a sea of black and white. And before he came out, he actually played the Champions League song and everyone was cheering and I was like ‘this is absolutely real’. I could see how much it meant to everybody. Hearing the anthem in the stadium, without actually walking out to play, was surreal. This is going to happen next season and I cannot wait to get started.” Amid the broader picture of Newcastle’s rise and the reasons behind it are endearing stories of players who carried themselves further than most envisaged. In 14 years of professional football, Wilson has never played in Europe. He was part of a winless team when the club was taken over in 2021 and his former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was appointed. He was one of seven survivors from Steve Bruce’s reign to make at least 31 Premier League appearances last season when Newcastle came fourth. Like Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron, he exceeded expectations. Wilson’s 18 goals were a career-best total in the top flight and exceeded by only four others: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Mohamed Salah. Newcastle, who failed to win any of their first 14 league games last season, lost only five of 38 this year. “It’s an incredible achievement what has happened,” Wilson said. “Seven or eight of the players who started the games at the back end of the season were also the ones who were fighting relegation in the previous two seasons. That shows what a good job the manager has done with the current squad. But it also shows where the club has got to with a few new good players around us. Now it is only going to get better if we keep investing in the right way and become a top-four team more regularly.” If a challenge was posed to each, to raise his game, to ensure he was not cast aside to make way for reinforcements, it was particularly direct in Wilson’s case. Alexander Isak became Newcastle’s club record signing. There was a high-class alternative in attack. “We brought in a £60m striker last summer and that was one of our first big signings,” Wilson said. “You use it as competition, as fuel. You know, with the way that the club is going, that if you don’t perform then potentially it could be your time done at the club.” Especially when there was a point where Isak seemed to have displaced Wilson. A burst of goals earned him a World Cup spot but he entered April with a solitary strike in 18 appearances for club and country and as a substitute. “We went to Dubai for a mid-season training camp and we had five days there when we didn’t play football and I got to sit back and think ‘yes, it has been a fantastic start to the season but it has turned out into a bad season,’” he said. “I was out of the team so I had to basically pull my finger out and start scoring goals again.” Which he did, in impressive fashion. A run of 11 goals in 10 appearances powered Newcastle into the Champions League. If it was a dramatic intervention, Wilson is not alone in pulling his finger out. “That’s what everyone is doing,” he added. “Players like Sean Longstaff, who has come through the academy, and now the manager is getting the best out of him and he looks a top player week in, week out. We wouldn’t change him for anybody now. I think it’s a good place to be at.” Whether Wilson remains there remains to be seen. His form would suggest so, but he will soon enter the last year of his contract. “My time at Newcastle has been amazing so far and long may it continue,” he added. “My agent and the club will be speaking on my future at some point and hopefully it will be with Newcastle.” If the Champions League provides one reason to stay, the Premier League is another. Alan Shearer is an admirer, helping persuade him to join. Wilson wants to rank next to Newcastle’s record scorer. “In terms of Premier League goals, behind Shearer at Newcastle, there aren’t many in front of me now,” he said. He is sixth, but only nine goals behind Peter Beardsley, both the man nearest to Shearer and still far behind him. “I’m trying to get second – it’s a long way to catch Alan,” Wilson added. But he will become the first player since Shearer to wear Newcastle’s iconic No. 9 shirt in the Champions League. Read More The year that sportswashing won: A season that changed football forever Bellingham gone but who’s next? Midfield merry-go-round will define summer Liverpool’s must-add midfielder and Haaland 2.0 to Man Utd: Transfer targets for every Premier League club Callum Wilson tuned up to secure England recall after Newcastle disappointment England’s future is about to be defined – and it’s out of Gareth Southgate’s control Qatar World Cup workers suffered ‘human rights abuses’, new Amnesty report finds

The Premier League fixtures for the 2023/24 campaign are released this morning, just a few short weeks after the culmination of last term - and indeed while the last internationals are still ongoing. It’s always a day on the calendar to mark up and begin looking forward to the start of the new season, even though that date remains two months away yet. The usual weekends football fans quickly mark out - aside from the opening round of fixtures, of course - are the Boxing Day games, when they face their fiercest rivals and who they play across the season run-in and on the final day of the season. All those and more will be revealed at precisely 9am BST. Follow below on our live blog for the full fixture list.

Two of the main coders at Kim Dotcom’s infamous Megaupload website have been sentenced to prison, the New